Should i prune my jade plant

Take your time when creating a tree structure. Make sure the plant has adequate light and let it recover between steps. Leave a few suitable branches, but remove any that droop. Keep some leaves on the lower part of the stem to help it grow thicker. For a natural tree appearance, make lower branches shorter than higher ones.

The secret to shaping your Jade into a well-filled bush is patient, regular pruning over time. You can trim some of the lower branches, but keep most in place. You may like to read my article about pruning houseplants for some more general advice about pruning. The ideal tool for substantial woody stems is a pair of bypass shears. Whichever tool you decide upon, be sure to sterilize the blades.

Dipping them in isopropyl rubbing alcohol will do the job. Before you prune a Jade Plant, take a good look at your plant from all angles and plan which stems are best to cut.

Two or possibly more branches will sprout below each cut, so consider the eventual result you want. The nub that extends above the node after pruning will die and eventually fall away. Leaving a short nub between the cut and the node provides a buffer for the growing point: cutting behind the node exposes a longer portion of the stem to the risk of rot or infestation.

Pruning an overgrown Jade can be daunting, so take it one step at a time. For best results, stand back frequently to re-evaluate your progress, keeping the final goal in mind.

Cut them nearly flush against the main stem, but leave a nub to avoid compromising the original trunk. You can prune extra-long stems to just a third of their length. Allow the cut surfaces to callus over before watering. If you are pruning in stages, wait until the plant has produced new stems with leaves and some minimal thickness before trimming again.

Overview Of Jade Plant Pruning Jade plants Crassula ovata need strong light and should be watered sparingly, but are otherwise quite easy to care for see my guide to caring for Jade Plants here. Besides maintaining size, there are other reasons to prune a Jade Plant: Plant Health — Pruning eliminates dead or damaged material that can attract pests or disease.

This article was co-authored by Chai Saechao. As a self-described plant doctor, he believes in the therapeutic power of plants, hoping to keep sharing his love of plants with anyone willing to listen and learn. This article has been viewed 55, times. Because jade plants can live for many years, plant lovers need to know how to maintain their plants. To keep your jade plant healthy and encourage new growth, prune overgrown sections and remove leggy branches. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers.

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By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Method 1. Trim the jade plant when branches start to droop. Pruning those branches develops thicker, stronger stems, which lets your plant grow taller and wider. They are still developing their roots and trunk during the first year, and pruning them too soon will permanently stunt their growth.

Prune the branches and stems in the spring or early summer. Jade plants can technically be pruned all year long, but they actively grow in warm weather. The sunlight and warmth help them to recover more quickly from the pruning. Keep it somewhere it gets sunlight but avoid placing it in direct light for long periods of time, as this could burn your plant. Use sharp shears or bonsai pruning shears to make your cuts.

Prune back branches that are drooping by clipping the branch where it intersects with the trunk. Or if you are mainly looking to shape your jade plant, prune individual leaves or partial sections of branches. Cut just above the leaf node where the leaf grows out of the branch. This is the main section that connects to the roots. The only time you will cut this main truck is when you are cutting down most of the plant to help it heal from infection. Overcrowding limits the amount of light the plant gets.

Method 2. Trim leggy or drooping branches. If your jade plant has grown for a long time without pruning, it will resemble an overgrown bush. Yellow or light green leaves indicate your plant is overtaxed. Removing them will refocus energy so it can grow in a fuller pattern. Use shears to cut excess branches back to the trunk of the plant. When a plant has been left to grow for too long, there will be multiple branches shooting off from the main trunk.

Some of these are okay to leave, but remove any that are making the plant look scraggly. Cut at that intersection at a roughly degree angle. This lets the plant sprout multiple new branches that are thicker and more compact.